Pop-A-Shot Leagues Are Here
(And I’ve Been Waiting for This)

By Mr. Pop

Events

Jan 09, 2026

Share This Blog

By Mr. Pop

Events

Jan 09, 2026

Share

I’ve seen a lot in my day.

I’ve seen gymnasiums with cigarette smoke hanging in the air. I’ve seen players who couldn’t dribble with their left hand win championships anyway. I’ve seen rule changes, gimmicks, and more “next big things” than I can count.

So when I tell you I’m genuinely excited about something new, you should probably listen.

This winter, Pop-A-Shot is launching a new initiative that I think has the potential to become a cornerstone of competitive Pop-A-Shot: Pop-A-Shot Leagues.

We all love qualifiers. We all love a National Championship. There’s nothing quite like the pressure of a single run when everything’s on the line. But leagues? Leagues are different. Leagues are where rivalries form. Where habits are built. Where players of all abilities can compete, improve, and have a reason to show up week after week.

And now, whether you’re looking for a Pop-A-Shot League near me or a way to compete nationally without packing a suitcase, we’ve got options.

Two Ways to Play: Local Leagues and Virtual Leagues

Pop-A-Shot is currently offering two types of leagues, each with its own personality. Think of them like two styles of ball. Same fundamentals. Different feel.

Local, In-Person Pop-A-Shot Leagues

Find Local League

This is the league format you probably already understand — and maybe even miss.

A local Pop-A-Shot League is a traditional, in-person, weekly league. Teams of four gather at a designated venue that has a Pop-A-Shot Elite machine and compete head-to-head against other teams in the league.

It’s social.

It’s communal.

It gives you a reason to get out of the house on the same night every week.
You play in the same room as your opponents. You hear the balls rattle. You feel the pressure of your opponent closing out a game strong. You shake hands (or at least nod respectfully) afterward.

Right now, Pop-A-Shot has local leagues running in Peoria and Chicago, with additional locations in the works. And if you don’t see a Pop-A-Shot League near you yet, that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. If you’re interested in helping set up a league in your area, let us know. I’ve built plenty of programs from scratch — it starts with a few people who care.

The Virtual Pop-A-Shot League

Now, here’s where the Elite technology opens a different door, to national competition.

The Pop-A-Shot Virtual League is designed for teams who want national competition but don’t want the logistics that usually come with it.

Here’s how it works, plain and simple:

Your team plays on any Pop-A-Shot Elite machine
You can play any day or time during the league week
The Elite automatically tracks your scores
Pop-A-Shot manages the schedule, results, and standings remotely

Because all Elite machines are connected, Pop-A-Shot can match your team up against another team anywhere in the country. Your opponent might be across town — or across the country — and you never have to coordinate schedules or travel to make it happen.

Same team.
Same local machine.
National competition.

That flexibility is the point. The Virtual League exists so teams can compete seriously without needing a fixed league night, which makes it a great option for players with unpredictable schedules, rotating venues, or limited local league options.

Season Two Tips Off January 12

The second season of the Virtual League tips off January 12, featuring 16 teams from San Francisco to New York City. Different cities. Different venues. Same competition.

It’s competitive without being overwhelming. Structured without being rigid. And convenient enough that real life doesn’t have to get in the way.
If you have easy access to a Pop-A-Shot Elite machine and you’ve been looking for a reason to take your game a little more seriously, this is it.

Why Leagues Matter (From an Old Coach)

Qualifiers test you in a moment.
Leagues test you over time.

Leagues reward consistency. They create storylines. They give players something to talk about on a Tuesday when there’s no trophy on the line. And maybe most importantly, they make Pop-A-Shot something you do, not just something you try once.

So whether you’re searching for a Pop-A-Shot League near me, or you’re ready to join a Pop-A-Shot League that lets you compete nationally from your home base, I couldn’t be happier to finally say:
Leagues are here.

And trust me — this is just the beginning.
— Mr. Pop

Reads You May Enjoy

General, How To

Family Fitness Goals With Pop-A-Shot

Kids spend over seven hours daily staring at screens, but what if January fitness goals could spark something far more engaging? But here's the game-changer: research shows that, family exercise boosts happiness by 5% and mental vitality by 11% compared to solo workouts. The secret lies in turning movement into friendly competition through quick game nights that everyone actually wants to join.

Title

By GemPages

Jan 13, 2026

Events

Pop-A-Shot Leagues Are Here

We all love qualifiers. We all love a National Championship. There’s nothing quite like the pressure of a single run when everything’s on the line. But leagues? Leagues are different. Leagues are where rivalries form. Where habits are built. Where players of all abilities can compete, improve, and have a reason to show up week after week.

Title

By Mr. Pop

Jan 09, 2026

Games, How To

New Year's Eve Party Games

The average child spends 4-6 hours daily using screens, but what if midnight could spark something more exciting? When the ball drops at Times Square, your family can watch buckets drop too with a high-energy basketball shootout that gets everyone moving.

Title

By Mr. Pop

Dec 30, 2025

General, How To

Family Fitness Goals With Pop-A-Shot

Kids spend over seven hours daily staring at screens, but what if January fitness goals could spark something far more engaging? But here's the game-changer: research shows that, family exercise boosts happiness by 5% and mental vitality by 11% compared to solo workouts. The secret lies in turning movement into friendly competition through quick game nights that everyone actually wants to join.

Title

By GemPages

Jan 13, 2026

Events

Pop-A-Shot Leagues Are Here

We all love qualifiers. We all love a National Championship. There’s nothing quite like the pressure of a single run when everything’s on the line. But leagues? Leagues are different. Leagues are where rivalries form. Where habits are built. Where players of all abilities can compete, improve, and have a reason to show up week after week.

Title

By Mr. Pop

Jan 09, 2026

Games, How To

New Year's Eve Party Games

The average child spends 4-6 hours daily using screens, but what if midnight could spark something more exciting? When the ball drops at Times Square, your family can watch buckets drop too with a high-energy basketball shootout that gets everyone moving.

Title

By Mr. Pop

Dec 30, 2025

General, How To

Family Fitness Goals With Pop-A-Shot

Kids spend over seven hours daily staring at screens, but what if January fitness goals could spark something far more engaging? But here's the game-changer: research shows that, family exercise boosts happiness by 5% and mental vitality by 11% compared to solo workouts. The secret lies in turning movement into friendly competition through quick game nights that everyone actually wants to join.

Title

By GemPages

Jan 13, 2026

Events

Pop-A-Shot Leagues Are Here

We all love qualifiers. We all love a National Championship. There’s nothing quite like the pressure of a single run when everything’s on the line. But leagues? Leagues are different. Leagues are where rivalries form. Where habits are built. Where players of all abilities can compete, improve, and have a reason to show up week after week.

Title

By Mr. Pop

Jan 09, 2026

Games, How To

New Year's Eve Party Games

The average child spends 4-6 hours daily using screens, but what if midnight could spark something more exciting? When the ball drops at Times Square, your family can watch buckets drop too with a high-energy basketball shootout that gets everyone moving.

Title

By Mr. Pop

Dec 30, 2025

Games

Festive Fun for Little Hoopers

Picture your little one bouncing around the living room while older siblings play games nearby. That natural energy becomes the perfect foundation for holiday basketball adventures that welcome everyone to join the action. Research confirms that modified basketball activities significantly improve gross motor skills in preschoolers, building balance, coordination, and confidence through play.

Title

By Mr. Pop

Dec 24, 2025

Pop-A-Shot Leagues Are Here
(And I’ve Been Waiting for This)